Baseball America names Reds Organization of Year

Publication touts club's ability to win through scouting, player development

By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Reds received prestigious recognition on Tuesday, when they were named the 2012 Organization of the Year by Baseball America.

"Because of their ability to build a winner through scouting and player development and the fact that they've built for sustainable success, the Reds are the Baseball America Organization of the Year for 2012," the publication said.

Cincinnati, which won 97 games at the big league level last season, was praised for its recent years of stability and its success in grooming homegrown talent for the Majors. The Reds have not missed with their first-round Draft picks since 2004 and currently have several first-rounders on the roster, including Jay Bruce, Homer Bailey, Devin Mesoraco, Mike Leake and Drew Stubbs.

The Reds' farm system is loaded with promising talent, none moreso than center fielder Billy Hamilton. Hamilton stole a professional baseball record 155 bases last season. Also praised has been the Reds' ability to leverage their prospects into acquiring veteran help -- like third baseman Scott Rolen and No. 2 starter Mat Latos.

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.